Shannon Notes January 26th 2008

It may have been top of the table versus bottom, and in many peoples mind a foregone conclusion, but the particular pre-match script that we had hoped for failed to materialise last Saturday in Dungannon. A losing bonus point was all we could muster, and in truth we were probably fortunate to get that. The home side were oozing with confidence as the clock ticked down and while we were desperately looking for a way back from a 25-12 deficit Dungannon could since their first ever victory over Shannon in the AIB league. The fact that we did get to within the losing bonus point is a slight, and I mean slight, consolation in an otherwise dismal day. Last week I mentioned that consistency is required to capture our ninth AIB title, and that result last weekend goes a long way to proving that point. The highs and elations of beating Cork Con turned to deflation in Stevenson Park. While we never really settled all that well in t first half, we never looked in trouble and when we went ahead with Andrew Finn’s try, it was felt that we would use one of our upper ranges of gears and get the rhythm and style flowing. It never relay materialised but despite Dungannon hauling back two penalties, Richie Mullane darted just on the 40 minute mark. That again heralded a false dawn. Just as it looked as if we would lead at the break, Dungannon hit us for six and completely knocked us off our stride in the last play of the half with a try. It was probably the turning point of the game, their self-belief grew before our very eyes and they maintained that status and indeed added to that status in the second half. We did however contribute to our down fall, gifting Dungannon two further tries and for a side that failed to register a score against us in our two previous meetings they now lead by 25-12 and looked most likely to score again. There was a lot of frustration with the performance and result, but every one knows that this bunch of players have an abundance of character and they will certainly be shooting all guns in order to rectify this result. An early opportunity arises this Saturday when Galwegians arrive to Coonagh. No one knows better than the lads what is required.

A brief respite from the disappointment on the long journey home came when we watched Munster’s marvellous performance in Thomond Park. The events have been well chronicled and documented but we take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Munster squad and management, especially the Shannon men involved in yet another remarkable feat. Our own corporate event in the now almost infamous Marquee was a huge success ,and again Jack Keane, Neil O’Carroll and the team ensured another marvellous occasion. The sacrifice of our club members on Munster days is a burden that the executive committee are continually grateful for. Running Shannon RFC continues to be a costly exercise across all diversities of the club and in order to maintain our standard at the top level of the game we need big days like Saturday to alleviate the pressure.

With the Six Nations almost upon us those looking for tickets for the games should contact Tadgh Crowe. There should be enough to go around but to ensure your needs contact Tadgh as quickly as possible. tadhgcrowe@yahoo.com

A major positive note to come in the last week was the news that U/18 player Luke O’Dea is selected on the Irish Youths panel fro a tour to France in the coming weeks. It’s a fantastic honour not only for Luke and his family, but for Shannon also. Luke has played with Shannon since a young age and it’s a deserved reward for a talented player and his coaches throughout his career to date. We wish him well.

All fixtures, as one would expect were decimated with the continuing atrocious weather in the region. Hopefully we can get back on track in what is a hugely important weekend coming.

The Seniors, as mentioned play Galwegians In Coonagh , Saturday at 2.30 While the U/20’s are hoping that their AIL game with Highfield kicks off at the appointed time of 1pm , also on Satuday.The Thirds also travel to Bruff on Saturday for a friendly with a kick off. Sunday sees the Munster Junior Cup scheduled to take place away to Bruff with a 2.30 start.

At underage the U/14’s play Ennis in Coonagh while the U/18’s are away to Newcastlewest.

The club lotto is gathering momentum, but we still need more people participating in order for us to reach the targets we require. Weekly draw tickets are available from any committee member and we also have our direct debit system on place. Further information can be obtained from jleahy@clareviewmotors.com.

Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO,
amcnamara@eircom.net
087 2717163